Sublimation press with dual floating heads

Abstract

A sublimation press for providing the necessary heat and pressure to sublimate graphic prints onto an article such as a drinking mug. The press includes a base and an insulating member resting on the base. A press assembly is mounted on the insulating member which includes first and second heads, both having die surfaces conforming to opposite surfaces of the article to be sublimated. The first and second heads also have bottom surfaces which are in sliding contact with the insulating member. A first translating assembly is coupled to the first head for producing horizontal translation in the first head while the head is in sliding contact with the insulating member. A second translating assembly is coupled to the second head for producing horizontal translation in the second head. The second translating assembly includes a position adjusting apparatus and a resilient coupling device disposed between the position adjusting apparatus and the second head for permitting slight horizontal motion between the second head and the position adjusting apparatus. Thus, the sublimation press is relatively easy to adjust to accommodate different size objects. An insulating base in the press helps minimize heat transfer from the heads to the surrounding structure of the press, so the press has a relatively cool exterior temperature.